So, you're trying to figure out what time are the Dodgers playing? Whether you’re planning a trip to the Ravine or just trying to clear your calendar for a big rivalry game, the timing for Major League Baseball is never as simple as a standard 7:00 PM kickoff.
Right now, we are sitting in the middle of January 2026. The boys in blue aren't on the field today, but the countdown to Spring Training is officially on. If you're looking for the very next time they lace up the cleats, you've got about a month to wait.
The 2026 Cactus League action kicks off on Saturday, February 21. The Dodgers will be on the road in Tempe, Arizona, taking on the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. That game is slated for a 1:10 PM MST start (which is 12:10 PM for those of us back in Los Angeles).
When Does the Real Action Start?
Spring Training is great for seeing the prospects, but let's be honest—we’re all waiting for the games that count.
The Dodgers are actually making history this year. The 2026 regular season begins on Thursday, March 26. It's the earliest traditional Opening Day in the history of the sport.
If you are lucky enough to have tickets for the home opener at Dodger Stadium against the Arizona Diamondbacks, set your alarm. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:00 PM PT (locally) or 11:00 PM ET for the East Coast fans. It’s a primetime slot on NBC, which is part of the new broadcast deal that’s bringing more national exposure to the reigning champs.
The rest of that opening series follows a pretty standard pattern:
- Friday, March 27: 7:10 PM PT
- Saturday, March 28: 6:10 PM PT
Why the Times Keep Changing
Have you ever noticed how some games start at 7:10, others at 7:15, and some randomly at 4:30? It’s kind of a mess if you don't know the logic behind it.
Basically, it comes down to television. Local broadcasts on SportsNet LA usually stick to that 7:10 PM start for weeknights. However, when ESPN or NBC picks up a game—like the Jackie Robinson Day matchup against the Mets on April 15—the time shifts to accommodate a national audience. That specific game is an ESPN exclusive starting at 7:00 PM PT.
Navigating the 2026 Homestands
The schedule this year is balanced, meaning the Dodgers play every single team in MLB at least once. This creates some weird start times, especially when East Coast teams like the Yankees or Red Sox come to town.
Keep an eye on these specific dates if you’re trying to plan:
🔗 Read more: Kevin Durant Team USA Jersey: Why It Is the Greatest Uniform in Basketball History
- Mother’s Day (May 10): A classic afternoon game against the Braves.
- Independence Day (July 4): Expect a late afternoon start against the Padres to make room for the fireworks show afterward.
- Labor Day (Sept 7): Usually an early afternoon start against the Reds.
The Freeway Series and Interleague Play
One of the most anticipated stretches is the "Rivalry Weekend" from May 15–17. The Dodgers will be heading down the I-5 to face the Angels. Because these are "home" games for the Angels, the start times will follow their stadium's logic, which often leans toward 6:38 PM or 7:07 PM starts.
If you're looking for the big Interleague matchups at Chavez Ravine:
- The Seattle Mariners arrive July 28–30.
- The Boston Red Sox visit for a weekend series July 31–August 2.
- The Kansas City Royals come through August 10–12.
How to Check Game Times on Short Notice
The most reliable way to know what time are the Dodgers playing on any given day is to check the official MLB app, but honestly, even that can be tricky. Game times are "subject to change," which is code for "if a TV network wants to move it, they will."
I always tell people to check the "Probable Pitchers" page about 24 hours before the game. Usually, once the starters are locked in, the start time is set in stone. If you see a "TBD" next to a game time in April or May, it's likely because the league is waiting to see if it’s a "flex" game for a national broadcast.
Pro Tips for Getting to the Stadium
If the game starts at 7:10 PM, you shouldn't be pulling into the parking lot at 7:00. You'll miss three innings.
- Day Games: For those 1:10 PM starts, the sun is brutal. Try to sit on the Third Base side or under the overhang in the Loge level.
- Gate Openings: Generally, the gates open two hours before the first pitch. If you want to catch batting practice, aim for that window.
- The Dodger Stadium Express: It's still the best way to avoid the $30+ parking fees. It runs from Union Station starting two hours before game time.
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure you don't miss a pitch this season:
- Download the 2026 Schedule PDF: The Dodgers usually release a printable version on their official site under the "Schedule" tab.
- Sync to Calendar: Use the "Sync to Calendar" feature on MLB.com. It automatically updates the start times on your phone if the league moves a game from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for TV.
- Monitor the Weather: Even in LA, "June Gloom" can occasionally delay a start time, though rainouts are rarer than a triple play.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a long one, ending on September 27 against the Giants in San Francisco. Keep your eyes on the clock, because with the pitch clock still in full effect, these games move faster than they used to.